The John Adams Society

David W. Downing

Chairman

Sandy Nelson

Secretary

G. Larry Colson Jr.

Chief Whip

Marina Wolff

Chancellor

FEBRUARY 2019

Please Note Change of Location: Shamrocks Grill and PubPlease Note Change of Day: Third Wednesday of the Month, February 20th, 2019

"The basic thing nobody asks is why do people take drugs of any sort? Why do we have these accessories to normal living to live? I mean, is there something wrong with society that's making us so pressurized, that we cannot live without guarding ourselves against it?"

- John Lennon

A MASSIVE NEW SOURCE OF REVENUE for the state of Minnesota would come with the legalization of recreational marijuana. It would have a positive impact on the Minnesota economy in many ways, ranging from agriculture to retail business. Additionally, legalization would reduce crime, allowing the state to concentrate its resources on more pressing addiction problems, such as the opioid crisis, domestic and sexual abuse associated with alcohol use and the growing problem of e-cigarettes.

Marijuana is a relatively safe drug when used occasionally by people over 25 years old. Any problem that society faces with cannabis is not mitigated by prohibition. People are sitting in prison, rotting away while we continue to cling to a law that has its origins in racism and xenophobia. The time to legalize is past due. This is a battle of sovereignty over our own mind and body.

ON THE OTHER HAND, shrewd marijuana lobbyists are funded by some of the richest people in the world. Should we be skeptical of the pro cannabis propaganda? Hundreds of years ago it was common belief in Mexico and India that marijuana caused mental illness and violence. Legalizing it in today's high THC form amounts to running real time experiments on the brains of adolescents and young adults. Would legalization of recreational marijuana risk public health and safety? If so, at what cost to the tax payers?

THE CHAIRMAN, who imagines all the people living life in peace, in the meantime has called a debate to settle the topic:

RESOLVED: Gra$$ is Greener.

The Debate will be held on February 20, 2019, at Shamrocks Grill & Pub, 995 7th Street W., St. Paul (West 7th near Randolph Ave.)

The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o’clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. There is no dress code, however gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies are encouraged to adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen arriving sans tie yet wishing to discourse on the resolution, the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand several remarkable selections.

In addition, the Chairman encourages all to join him as early as 6:30 pm for a bite to eat. Let us thank Shamrocks for the use of their room in the most sincere way possible -- by spending our money. God Bless Free Enterprise!

Questions regarding debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (651)485-1699 or the Secretary at (612)968-3493.